|
What is Albinism?
Albinism is an
inherited condition in which eyes, hair and/or skin have less than
normal amounts of pigment. Some children and adults with albinism can
have a total lack of pigment with white skin and hair and pink-colored
eyes. Other have only mildly decreased amounts of pigmentation. One
form, ocular albinism, affects only the eyes leaving the skin and hair
pigmentation nearly normal. In severe cases of albinism the eye’s
central vision area, the macula does not develop properly resulting in
poor vision.
What Causes
Albinism?
Albinism results from
the inability of the normal pigment cells in the eyes, hair or skin to
produce normal amounts of pigment. This passes on genetically from
parents to children.
What are the
symptoms of Albinism?
The symptoms of
albinism begin early in childhood and may include decreased vision,
sensitivity to bright lights, and unintentional jiggling movement of
the eyes (nystagmus) and misalignment of the eyes (strabismus0> Vision
can range from normal, for those minimally affected, to legal
blindness or worse for those with more sever forms of albinism. Near
vision is often better than distance vision. Generally those who have
the least amount of pigment have the poorest vision.
How is Albinism
Diagnosed?
Albinism is often
suspected from a person’s general appearance or through a family
history of the disorder. A complete medical eye exam by an
ophthalmologist, a general physical examination, and a genetic
evaluation can help diagnose and define the type of albinism.
Special tests of the
hair shafts, skin or blood can be used to make a specific diagnosis.
In two rare forms of albinism affected individuals can have bleeding
problems increase susceptibility to infections, especially during
childhood. Early diagnosis is important for proper treatment of these
complications.
How is albinism
treated?
Albinism is a lifelong
condition. Although there is no way to treat poor or absent pigment
production or correct early poor development of central vision, proper
eye evaluations and management can be useful.
Eye misalignment can be
treated with optical or surgical measures and glasses can be
prescribed to improve vision and reduce light sensitivity. Magnifying
glasses for reading and low vision aids for distance vision can also
be helpful
Genetic counseling of
affected individuals and their families is recommended. Counselors
will provide the patient and family member with a detailed explanation
of the disorder including the chances of further children being
affected.
Some individuals with
albinism may be entitles to help from visual assistance programs. Your
ophthalmologist can make this determination and refer you to the
appropriate agency.
Since albinos have to
deal with both social and visual adjustments in daily life, it is
often helpful to talk with others who have similar problems. The
National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) is a
nonprofit organization formed for the benefit of families and
individuals with these conditions.
National Organization
for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
919 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
 |
